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Types of Stair Treads
There are four main types of wood stair treads: standard bullnose treads, mitered return treads, landing treads and RetroFit treads. Standard treads are for steps closed in on both sides. Mitered return treads finish the open side of a staircase. Landing treads trim the edge of a landing or balcony. RetroFit treads replace carpeted steps without rebuilding the stairs.
Stair Tread Types at a Glance
| Tread type | Use it for | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bullnose | Steps closed in on both sides | 11-1/2″ to 24″ deep, 42″ to 96″ long |
| Mitered return | The open side of a staircase (reversible, left or right) | 11-1/2″ to 13″ deep, 48″ to 96″ long |
| Landing tread | Edge of a landing or balcony | 6-1/2″ deep, 3/4″ thick, up to 8 ft long |
| RetroFit | Replacing carpeted steps | Kits for 10-1/2″ and 11-1/2″ steps |
Standard Bullnose Treads
The standard tread is the most common type. It has a rounded front edge, the bullnose, that’s comfortable underfoot and gives each step a finished look. Use it where both ends of the step are closed in by walls or skirtboards.
Our standard treads are 1″ thick, glued up from several hardwood boards rather than cut from one plank, which helps keep them flat and stable. They come 11-1/2″ to 24″ deep and 42″ to 96″ long, ready to stain or paint.
Mitered Return Treads
A mitered return tread is made for the open side of a staircase, where the end of the step shows. A short return piece is mitered to the end of the tread and wraps around the side with the same bullnose edge, so you don’t see raw end grain. It’s the clean, finished look most open stairs need.
They come 11-1/2″ to 13″ deep (including the return) and 48″ to 96″ long. Our mitered returns are reversible, so the same tread works on a left or right open side.
Landing Treads
A landing tread is a narrow board with a bullnose edge that finishes the edge of a landing, balcony or the top step where the stairs meet the upper floor. It matches your treads so the transition from the stairs to the floor looks clean.
Our 8090 landing tread is 6-1/2″ deep: a 5-1/4″ flat section plus a 1-1/4″ bullnose nosing that overhangs the riser below. It’s 3/4″ thick and comes in lengths up to 8 ft.
RetroFit Treads
RetroFit treads are for switching carpeted stairs to hardwood without rebuilding the staircase. You pull up the carpet and the old treads, then install the RetroFit tread in their place. Because it replaces the old tread instead of stacking on top, your step heights stay even.
Each kit comes with the moulding already attached and a riser that’s stain grade on one side and paint grade on the other, in Red Oak or White Oak. Kits come for 10-1/2″ and 11-1/2″ steps.
Shop 11-1/2″ RetroFit kits → · Shop 10-1/2″ RetroFit kits →
Need risers too? See our wood risers. For every part name on a staircase, see parts of a staircase.
Stair Tread FAQ
What is the most common type of stair tread?
The standard bullnose tread. It’s used on steps that are closed in on both ends.
What is a mitered return stair tread?
A tread with a finished end for the open side of a staircase. A return piece is mitered to the end so the bullnose wraps around the side and no end grain shows.
What is a landing tread?
A narrow bullnosed board that finishes the edge of a landing, balcony or the top of the stairs, matching your stair treads. Ours is 6-1/2″ deep and 3/4″ thick.
Can I put new treads over my old ones?
We don’t recommend stacking. It changes your step heights. Our RetroFit treads replace the old treads after you pull up the carpet, so your steps stay even.
Are mitered return treads left or right?
Ours are reversible, so the same tread works on either side.
How thick are stair treads?
Our standard wood treads are 1″ thick. Landing treads are 3/4″ thick.